This is the beginning of Western imperialist incursions into East Asia. Ultimately, it would usher in a new era in East Asian history culminating in the fall of the Qing Dynasty in China; the fall of the Yi Dynasty in Korea and the rise of Japanese imperialist ambitions first in Korea and eventually into mainland China.
Long before the early 20th century, though, there was a diplomatic mission led by Lord Maccartney to the court of the then Qing Emperor Qianlong (1793). This mission expressed and met with considerable cultural misunderstandings. It is to be sure, an interesting story.
Please have read 'Maccartney and the Emperor' in preparation for our first class. Question for consideration: How would a European perceive the kow-tow? Prepare an answer for this question. Be able to defend your position.
This kow-towing probably created quite a stir amongst the British embassy seeking trade relations with China. Well, there is more to their story. See the edicts (royal declarations) made by the Emperor Qianlong. Prepare to respond to the questions posted below. Two Edicts from the Qianlong Emperor
Locate specific phrases in the two edicts that show how the Chinese perceived the British.
Did the Chinese think all states were equal in international relations?
What did the Chinese emperor think China had to offer England? What did he feel England had to offer China?
Why do you think it is important for diplomats to understand the world view of the other party? Would it have been possible for the British in 1793 to change their request in order to get more of what they wanted? If so, how? If not, why not?
Please read "The Opium War and Foreign Encroachment"
pp. 80-90 Class Activity: Debate The following is the debate question. Seats 1-10 are pro the statement; Seats 11-22 are con the statement. Be it resolved that the Treaty of Nanking was NOT an example of British imperialism on China, rather it was an example of two nations reaching a trade and diplomatic agreement.
In preparation for the above, review the Edicts of Qianlong AND compare that document to the Treaty of Nanking.
As well, begin your preparation by defining just exactly what imperialism is defined as. Know what the causes and effects (besides the Treaty of Nanking) were of the First Opium War. Consider just how the Qing Court (Emperor and his advisors) saw this international agreement. Thus, you must read the appropriate pages in Chapter 2 Seaborne Barbarians of Pacific Century.
THE DEBATE WILL HAPPEN IN CLASS THIS WEEK. You will be graded in how well you and members of your side proceed against the opposing team.
Rules for the Debate Rules and Structure For Classroom Debates
ProCon Structure: Time Allowance Time Allowance
Introduction: 8 minutes 8 minutes
Rebuttal: 3 minutes 3 minutes
Questions from 5 minutes 5 minutes teacher & opposing side
Concluding Remarks: 5 minutes 5 minutes
Total Time Pro & Con21 minutes 21 minutes Intermission: Between each section there'll be a one minute recess during which time students may organize what they will say next.
N.B. Class time will be allocated for preparation and assigning responsibilities for this. ALL students on both sides MUST have a moment to speak/ask questions/rebut.
Maccartney and the Emperor
This is the beginning of Western imperialist incursions into East Asia. Ultimately, it would usher in a new era in East Asian history culminating in the fall of the Qing Dynasty in China; the fall of the Yi Dynasty in Korea and the rise of Japanese imperialist ambitions first in Korea and eventually into mainland China.Long before the early 20th century, though, there was a diplomatic mission led by Lord Maccartney to the court of the then Qing Emperor Qianlong (1793). This mission expressed and met with considerable cultural misunderstandings. It is to be sure, an interesting story.
Please have read 'Maccartney and the Emperor' in preparation for our first class.
Question for consideration: How would a European perceive the kow-tow? Prepare an answer for this question. Be able to defend your position.
This kow-towing probably created quite a stir amongst the British embassy seeking trade relations with China. Well, there is more to their story. See the edicts (royal declarations) made by the Emperor Qianlong. Prepare to respond to the questions posted below.
Two Edicts from the Qianlong Emperor
- Locate specific phrases in the two edicts that show how the Chinese perceived the British.
- Did the Chinese think all states were equal in international relations?
- What did the Chinese emperor think China had to offer England? What did he feel England had to offer China?
- Why do you think it is important for diplomats to understand the world view of the other party? Would it have been possible for the British in 1793 to change their request in order to get more of what they wanted? If so, how? If not, why not?
Please read "The Opium War and Foreign Encroachment"pp. 80-90
Class Activity: Debate
The following is the debate question. Seats 1-10 are pro the statement; Seats 11-22 are con the statement.
Be it resolved that the Treaty of Nanking was NOT an example of British imperialism on China, rather it was an example of two nations reaching a trade and diplomatic agreement.
In preparation for the above, review the Edicts of Qianlong AND compare that document to the Treaty of Nanking.
As well, begin your preparation by defining just exactly what imperialism is defined as. Know what the causes and effects (besides the Treaty of Nanking) were of the First Opium War. Consider just how the Qing Court (Emperor and his advisors) saw this international agreement. Thus, you must read the appropriate pages in Chapter 2 Seaborne Barbarians of Pacific Century.
THE DEBATE WILL HAPPEN IN CLASS THIS WEEK. You will be graded in how well you and members of your side proceed against the opposing team.
Rules for the Debate
Rules and Structure For Classroom Debates
Pro Con
Structure: Time Allowance Time Allowance
Introduction: 8 minutes 8 minutes
Rebuttal: 3 minutes 3 minutes
Questions from 5 minutes 5 minutes
teacher &
opposing side
Concluding Remarks: 5 minutes 5 minutes
Total Time Pro & Con 21 minutes 21 minutes
Intermission: Between each section there'll be a one minute recess during which time students may organize what they will say next.
N.B. Class time will be allocated for preparation and assigning responsibilities for this. ALL students on both sides MUST have a moment to speak/ask questions/rebut.